German authorities announced today, Tuesday, the arrest of former head of the German Foreign Intelligence Service "BND," August Hanning, and his assistant on suspicion of espionage, treason, and transferring information related to the Iranian nuclear program and the Russian army.
Hanning led the foreign intelligence service from December 1998 to November 2005. His office director, Manfred D., whose full identity has not been disclosed, also served as an assistant to Hanning's successors at the agency for about 14 years. He later moved to the private sector and worked as a security consultant, according to the German "Deutsche Welle Arabic" website.
Although the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office did not specify in its statement the countries that may have benefited from this information, this case poses an embarrassment to German intelligence agencies that seek to strengthen their capabilities and enhance their reputation, especially in the face of the increasing Russian threat that Berlin monitors through espionage and sabotage activities attributed to Moscow.
Search operations are being conducted at various sites connected to both men, including the capital, Berlin.
The prosecution stated that Manfred D. was also the chief of staff to Hanning's successors between 2012 and 2026, and exploited the position to access confidential information that he later transferred to Hanning "for financial compensation."
Manfred D. is suspected of "aiding and instigating attempts to commit treason and espionage."
The prosecution added that "current findings indicate that Manfred D. had provided Hanning over the years with about two thousand documents, many of which contained confidential information designated for the exclusive use of the Federal Intelligence Service for internal purposes."
It clarified that "Hanning used classified intelligence on one occasion to prepare an analysis for an officer in a foreign intelligence agency," although it is unclear whether "the material reached the intended recipient."
Hanning is also accused of "close communication with a representative of another foreign intelligence agency, where he provided political information based partly on materials provided by Manfred D. over the years."
According to the German "ARD" network, the information transferred by Manfred D. included materials related to the Iranian nuclear program and the Russian army.
The network quoted security sources saying that some of this information came from partner intelligence agencies abroad. Although the unfolding of the case is still in its early stages, it has quickly drawn criticism from political officials.
The head of the parliamentary intelligence oversight committee, Mark Heinrichmann, told France Press that Berlin "will not tolerate betrayal of secrets."
He added, "Anyone who allies with the enemies of our liberal democracy will be exposed," considering that Hanning's alleged behavior represents "a betrayal of his professional duties."
He also expressed his frustration that senior former officials who had access to confidential information were able to transition to the private sector and exploit their networks and access to information for personal gain, which may allow Germany's adversaries to access sensitive information or circles.
He added, "We have repeatedly warned the federal government about this very problematic issue. It is clear that such practices also provide openings for hostile intelligence agencies. The complete truth about this matter must also be revealed."
Hanning's name has also recently drawn attention due to the possibility of his involvement in the kidnapping of the children of businesswoman Christina Block residing in Hamburg.
In this case, Hanning and a retired police officer were accused of accepting a commission from Block for more than 100,000 euros (112,000 dollars) to retrieve the children from Denmark, where they were living with her ex-husband.
As part of this investigation, Hanning's properties were searched in September 2025, which led to the opening of the current investigation.